The Transition from Conventional Methacrylate Based Composites to Ormocer Based Composites: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Resin composite materials have become well-accepted and widely used as direct restorative materials. Nowadays, they are replacing the traditional mercury-containing dental amalgams owing to their superior features. However, the conventionally-used dental composite resins possess several drawbacks, most noticeably polymerization shrinkage and its associated shrinkage stresses. These shortcomings have led to great evolution in the development of enhanced composite restorative materials. This review surveys composition, advantages and deficits of resin composites, then highlights recent developments aimed at enhancing the properties of composite restorative materials. Finally, a special attention is given to the development in the polymeric matrix formulation providing a new low-shrink composite known as Ormocer analyzing its composition, behavior, and properties.